Rinaldi wanted to stay close to home and decided Florida State was the best option.

Once the Florida State coaches called and made him an offer, his answer was easy.

"Before the recruiting process and other schools started contacting me, I was already leaning towards Florida State," Rinaldi said. "After I visited and made my decision, I didn't take any other visits. I knew where I wanted to go."

Rinaldi is a big proponent of Florida living, and he could have a future in the tourism industry if his tennis career doesn't work out.

The Palm City resident was born and raised in the state, and doesn't anticipate his status ever changing.

"I love it here. I couldn't imagine living anywhere else," Rinaldi said. "The weather is great and it's just a really cool place to live."

Rinaldi has been playing tennis since he was 9.

His aunt, Kathy Rinaldi, is a former professional who won three singles and two doubles titles during her career on the WTA Tour. Her highest career ranking was No. 7 in the world and she reached the semifinals of Wimbledon in 1985.